Artissima in Turin: where contemporary art is the focus (and what not to miss in and around the city)
04 November 2022
4 minutes
Index
From 4 to 6 November 2022, Turin's Oval will host Artissima, the only fair in Italy entirely dedicated to contemporary art. It brings the best international artistic excitement to the city with the participation of 174 galleries from 28 countries and 4 continents.
The Artissima 2022 calendar is full of must-see events. Here is what you can do during the event in Turin, also taking advantage of the evening opening of museums and galleries for the Night of Contemporary Arts on Saturday 5 November.
The "transformation" of Artissima
Since its very first edition, Artissima has been a very important event for contemporary art as well as a springboard for emerging talents and galleries pursuing constant research.
Artissima 2022 promises to be even more ground-breaking. Indeed, this year's theme focuses on transformation, because nothing more than contemporary art is capable of shattering all expectations and opening up new perspectives by transforming the gaze.
The sense of hearing comes first: sound installations at GAM, Palazzo Madama and MAO
The GAM (Gallery of Modern Art), Palazzo Madama and the MAO (Museum of Oriental Art) are hosting an event linked to Artissima. It is entitled So will your voice vibrate from a poem by Dylan Thomas. It consists of three sound installations by artists Riccardo Benassi, Darren Bader and Charwei Tsai.
You can also enjoy the museums' permanent collections at the same time.
The GAM houses a rich selection of modern art, while Palazzo Madama is home to ancient art. Don't miss the Gothic and Renaissance itinerary, the palace's piano nobile, the Mediaeval Garden and the Tower. Finally, dive into the exotic worlds concealed by the Museum of Oriental Art.
Don't miss the artist videos at the Gallerie d'Italia
The Gallerie d'Italia hosts the Collective Individuals project with an exhibition of artists' videos, many of them being shown for the first time in Italy. Take the opportunity to also enjoy the museum's permanent collections, especially the photography collection and the collection of Piedmontese Baroque works.
At the Galleria d'Italia, it will also be possible to visit the exhibition dedicated to Lisetta Carmi, one of the most important figures on the Italian photographic scene, and Gregory Crewdson's Eveningside photography exhibition in its world premiere.
Tempo Rizomatico at the Hotel Principi di Piemonte
The fascinating Salone delle Feste at the Hotel Principi di Piemonte | UNA Esperienze hosts the exhibition Tempo Rizomatico (Rhizomatic Time) by Neapolitan artist Diego Cibelli, who explores the materiality of ceramics and the link with his roots.
Things you should not miss in the city: all the exhibitions you must see
The Artissima weekend will be an opportunity to discover all the other exhibitions organised in the city.
In the Manica Lunga space there is Olafur Eliasson's solo show, Orizzonti tremanti (Trembling Horizons).
The Castello di Rivoli hosts the world premiere of Beeple's Human One as part of the group exhibition Espressioni con frazioni (Expressions with Fractions). The Fondazione Merz is the backdrop for Israeli artist Michal Rovner's site-specific work reflecting on the concept of fear.
At the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, Victor Man's solo show and Lawrence Abu Hamdan's exhibition are on stage.
The OGR - Officine Grandi Riparazioni hosts the first Italian solo exhibition of Arthur Jafa, artist, director and director of photography.
Camera - Centro Italiano per la Fotografia hosts a retrospective on the famous French photographer Robert Doisneau while the Reggia di Venaria exhibits Marinella Senatore's light sculptures.
The Pinacoteca Agnelli is the location of the largest Sylvie Fleury exhibition in Italy.
Finally, the PAV Parco Arte Vivente is hosting Tierra, the solo exhibition of artist Regina José Galindo.
Besides Artissima, Turin's beauties are all waiting to be discovered
Between one exhibition and another, enjoy a stroll through Turin's airy piazzas and elegant streets lined with arcades.
If you love cinema, don't miss the National Museum of Cinema at the Mole Antonelliana.
Also not to be missed is a visit to the city's Egyptian Museum and a rejuvenating break in the natural surroundings of the Valentino Park.
In Turin, snacks become royalty
You cannot leave Turin without trying the ritual of the Merenda Reale (royal snack), a tradition that originated at the Savoy court in the 1700s.
This is the right opportunity to taste Piedmontese delicacies: hot chocolate, bicerin, Chivasso hazelnuts, cri-cri and gianduiotti. It is offered every weekend by Caffè San Carlo, Caffè Madama and Caffè Elena as well as the Caffetteria del Castello di Rivoli and the Caffè di Palazzo Reale.
Outside the city amidst mountains and culinary delights
If you broaden your horizon just a little beyond the city limits, the possibilities increase.
How about a getaway in the snow of Sestriere, which the Torinese consider their mountain?
Or a trip to Alba for the International Fair of the White Truffle of Alba, an excellent local product, with a calendar full of events until 4 December.
In short, Artissima is the right time to celebrate the ferment of contemporary art, enjoy the Savoy city and take a trip out of town to the beauty of the Piedmont countryside in autumn.
© Photo: Perottino-Piva/ Artissima
